According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, a total of 9,739 tractor-trailer involved crashes occurred on state roadways in 2012. These crashes accounted for 3.6 percent of all crashes that year and caused the deaths of 94 individuals. While tractor-trailer drivers accounted for nine of those deaths, the remaining 85 tractor trailer-involved fatalities were those of passengers of other vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
An Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer knows that many of these commercial truck-involved accidents are preventable when truck drivers and other motorists exercise due care while on the road. This includes avoiding what are known as “no-zones,” or the blind spots and areas surrounding tractor-trailer trucks where accidents are most likely to occur. The four no-zones are defined as follows by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Four tractor-trailer no-zones
Many Illinois motorists mistakenly assume that truck drivers have strong visibility because they sit so high above other drivers on the roadway. However, motorists traveling in a commercial truck driver’s no-zones sometimes disappear completely from view, which an Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer knows is exceedingly dangerous.
Additional truck safety hazards
Because of the blind spots created by commercial truck no-zones, the responsibility of avoiding them falls largely on Illinois motorists. Furthermore, truck drivers experience a unique set of circumstances that make their vehicles more difficult to maneuver than standard-size cars and trucks. For example, tractor-trailer trucks require more room to turn than typical vehicles because their back wheels don’t automatically follow their front wheels, as is the case for normal-size cars. This makes it particularly critical that motorists remain aware of a trucker’s use of turn signals.
Additionally, a truck’s brakes produce heat when traveling downhill, meaning that truck drivers must leave more room to stop than standard vehicles. This is why it’s imperative that motorists avoid the front no-zone and remain at least 20 feet (ideally more) ahead of the truck’s cabin.
Yet another reason Illinois motorists should avoid no-zones is because of the wind currents tractor-trailer trucks create. Strong winds alongside trucks make it hard for motorists to effectively steer, making it tough for them to avoid hazards or maintain control of their vehicles while in these dangerous spots.
Motorist responsibility
When drivers linger in a truck’s no-zones, they hinder the truck driver’s ability to effectively avoid accidents. An Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer recommends that state motorists scan a truck’s side mirrors to see if they can see the driver. When motorists are unable to see the truck driver, the truck driver is unable to see the motorist.
Sharing the road with commercial trucks becomes safer only when motorists are aware of where no-zones exist and exercise due care to avoid them.
According to WAND TV, Illinois has seen some encouraging numbers in recent years regarding the number of motorcycle accident fatalities on state roadways. While motorcycle fatalities fell by almost thirty percent in 2014 compared to the year prior, warmer temps and sunnier skies mean state motorcyclists are again taking to the road in droves.
With more motorcyclists revving their engines on Illinois roadways, riders and a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago are seeking ways to enhance motorists’ awareness of motorcycles.
Illinois crash statistics vs. national averages
While only three percent of motorists nationally drive motorcycles, motorcycles account for a disproportionate 14 percent of all highway fatalities nationwide, according to WAND TV. Furthermore, 80 percent of all motorcycle crashes nationally end in injury or death. Motorcycle crash data for the year 2012 from the Illinois Department of Transportation reveals that the number of motorcycle-involved highway fatalities is even higher in Illinois. Motorcycle crashes were responsible for 15.2 percent of all highway fatalities in Illinois that year, with 4,231 total crashes reported on Illinois roads.
While the reduction in fatal motorcycle crashes between 2013 and 2014 is encouraging, a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago knows that even one Illinois motorcycle fatality is too many. Here is a look at steps state motorists can take to help reduce these numbers even further.
Motorists should…
Listen for loud pipes
Keeping music and conversation at a reasonable level is a motorist’s best chance at hearing a motorcycle approach. Listening for loud pipes is one of the easiest ways to alert oneself of an approaching bike.
Be aware of blind spots
Motorcyclists are small targets, and are therefore more likely to be hidden in a driver’s blind spot than full-size cars. Taking care to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes is essential for spring and summer motorcycle safety.
Motorcyclists should…
Make themselves easy to see
It’s primarily a matter of common sense, but motorcyclists should avoid rapid lane switches and riding in hard-to-see spots to the fullest extent possible to make sure other drivers are aware of their presence.
Dress appropriately
While Illinois motorcyclists are not required by law to wear helmets, doing so is another matter of common sense. A motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago knows even the best, most careful motorcycle riders in the world cannot control the actions of other motorists. Wearing a helmet and bright, striking colors that stand out to other drivers are easy ways to enhance rider safety.
With continued attention and increased awareness, Illinois motorcyclists and state officials are hoping that the number of Illinois motorcycle fatalities falls even further in the year ahead.
Commercial truck drivers in Illinois who knowingly break the rules may soon face harsher penalties for their careless actions. The Quad-City Times reports that the Illinois House recently approved legislation to stiffen punishments against truck drivers responsible for the serious injuries or deaths of emergency responders or toll workers, among others.
If approved, the new legislation would make it a Class 2 felony for truck drivers to hit and kill someone, an offense punishable by three to seven years in prison and fines as high as $25,000. A Libertyville injury lawyer knows that this legislation is among several new proposals intended to counter dangerous truck-driving behaviors and ensure safe driving practices in Illinois.
Holding commercial drivers accountable
A number of recent high-profile trucker-involved accidents in the state played a key role in the call for stiffer penalties, as did rising concerns about insufficient sleep among truckers. According to the Illinois General Assembly, another proposed legislative change involves harsher punishments for commercial drivers who willfully violate hours of service regulations if serious injury or death of another results.
Currently, commercial truckers are expected to keep a written log of how they spend their time, but a Libertyville injury lawyer knows the information recorded in these logs is sometimes false. Under the proposed new legislation, truck drivers who cause the serious injury or death of another while in violation of their hours of service will face a Class 3 felony. Anyone other than the driver who commits the same offense would face a Class 2 felony.
Additional safety solutions
The Quad-City Times details an additional law expected to take effect this year that will require all drivers to track their working and sleeping schedules using electronic logs. Truck drivers are expected to follow predetermined federal and state guidelines to ensure they receive adequate sleep, and the electronic logs indicate any infractions in hours of service. These infractions can then be dealt with swiftly, and the drivers can be held accountable for their actions. Failing to properly update the log will be a violation in and of itself, and is expected to result in additional penalties for the driver at fault.
While the proposed legislative changes work their way through the Illinois General Assembly, a Libertyville injury lawyer advises motorists and emergency road workers to exercise caution when driving near commercial trucks. Those who have been victims of a commercial-truck involved accident are advised to consult an attorney.
The onset of spring brings trees into leaf, flowers into bloom and critters, children and wet gravel into the roadways. Spring driving conditions in Illinois can be unexpectedly hazardous due to environmental and social conditions alike. A personal injury DuPage lawyer knows that small animals, both pets and wildlife, present a danger to springtime drivers. Other seasonal hazards include wet roads and an increase in the number of children playing and walking outside.
Animals in the road
Whether it is a dog that got away from its owner or a young deer, a collision with an animal in the road can cause personal injury and vehicle damage. Tips to avoid an accident include scanning the road and shoulders ahead, using extra caution at dawn and dusk, wearing a seatbelt and driving while alert. According to the American Automobile Association, if a collision with an animal cannot be avoided, a driver should apply the brakes and stay in his or her lane.
Children at play
Spring means an increase in the number of children walking to school, to the park, or just playing in and around residential streets. Children may be one the most unpredictable spring driving hazards. They can be difficult to see and may run into a roadway without warning. Accidents may happen, but staying alert to the presence of children may help avoid personal injury from a collision. As foot traffic increases, drivers should remember to do the following:
The issue of more children in the roadways remains relevant through spring and beyond, when school lets out for the summer months.
Wet roads ahead
According to AAA, wet pavement is responsible for 1.2 million vehicle crashes per year. A personal injury DuPage lawyer might attest that poor traction as well as limited visibility can contribute to springtime motor vehicle accidents. Good safety practices include making sure tires have sufficient tread and are properly inflated. Pressure should be checked once a month, when tires are cold. Wiper blades should clear the windshield in one motion. Consumer Reports states that the best way to avoid a collision due to hydroplaning is to drive slowly in wet conditions, brake gently, leave ample distance between vehicles, and buy quality tires.
Stay alert to seasonal hazards
A change in the season brings renewed activity and increased driving dangers. If you or someone you love is injured in a vehicle accident, a personal injury DuPage lawyer may be able to help you get just compensation for your suffering.